FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Argentine Football Association (AFA), issuing multiple charges against players, coaching staff and the federation following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including incidents after the final against Spain and the display of a political banner during the tournament.
The case stems from a FIFA disciplinary review of the chaotic scenes that followed Spain’s 1-0 win over Argentina in the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, as well as separate incidents from earlier in the tournament.
The most serious allegations relate to a post-match confrontation that broke out on the field moments after the final whistle.
FIFA said several prominent Argentine figures have been charged under its disciplinary code in connection with violent conduct, assault and unsporting behavior.
Official FIFA documents show that separate charges have been filed against several central figures from Argentina’s playing squad and technical staff.
Leandro Paredes faces three charges of assault, Nahuel Molina faces two, and assistant coach Roberto Ayala has also been charged. Molina and Thiago Almada were additionally cited for unsporting behavior, as was Spain’s Gavi, who was involved in the scuffle after the final.
Under FIFA’s disciplinary rules, unsporting conduct can bring at least a one-match suspension, while assault offenses can carry bans of three matches or more.
Separate from the clashes on the pitch, FIFA has also charged the AFA over political messaging at the tournament.
After Argentina’s 2-1 semi-final win over England, players displayed a large banner reading
“Las Malvinas son Argentinas”
(“The Malvinas are Argentine”)
The message referred to the long-running sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands between Argentina and the United Kingdom.
The banner drew criticism from English football authorities and British political figures, and FIFA charged the federation with
“using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature”.
The AFA is also facing possible punishment over fan conduct during matches in the tournament.
FIFA’s disciplinary cases include allegations of discriminatory chanting and gestures, racist abuse, objects being thrown onto the field and security-related breaches at several stadiums.
FIFA stated:
“All parties charged have now been provided with the opportunity to present their position, following which a decision will be issued by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee in due course,”
Possible sanctions include player suspensions, significant fines for the AFA and restrictions that could affect future international matches.